The physical causes of back and neck pain vary widely from a herniated disc, osteoarthritis, spinal deformity from childhood, or an injury—with these being just some of the major causes. For more information about physical causes visit: http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/low-back-pain-cause.

I know I’ve benefited from chiropractic care over the years when pain was due to spinal misalignment. There are a variety of approaches to chiropractic care from energy stimulation to actual adjustment, so you might find it helpful to interview a potential chiropractor to be sure their approach appeals to you. Here are some insights about basic chiropractic practice: http://www.wellnesschiro.com/FAQs.htm.

While many chiropractors adjust the spine in order to positively affect your nerves, there are chiropractors that work more directly with the energy of your nervous system to positively affect your body—the spine, internal organs and emotions. I like how this particular chiropractor explains what is called Network Chiropractics: http://www.eastwesthealth.info/network_chiropractic.html
There are some incidences when chiropractic adjustment may not be appropriate. You might find it helpful to become familiar with those instances. This article will give you some insights. http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/chiropractic-pain-relief

With acute or chronic back pain, it is a good idea to find a doctor you trust to help you identify the physical cause of the pain and treat it properly. Whenever possible, of course, prevention is the place to begin.

I am now quite grateful for the yoga and dance classes I have taken over the years. I have some basic stretches I do regularly that keep my neck and spine supple. Plus, I pay attention to what I choose to lift and how I lift it. Finding a good sleeping posture and good posture throughout the day also seems to help me maintain spinal health. Many people, including myself, find massages and hot baths or hot tubs to be wonderfully therapeutic for over-taxed muscles.

So let’s look at the metaphysical meaning behind back and neck pain to help you help yourself. Here is what I heard in meditation:

Back and neck issues occur when we are out of alignment with our values. We have not allowed ourselves to have the support and structures we need in order to live a life that is clear and on course with our higher perspectives.
The spine is the conduit between our passion for life on earth and our blissful nature as spiritual beings. When we cut ourselves off from either our enjoyment of physical life or opportunities to open to enlightened awareness, our spines suffer.

When you have a spinal injury, consider noticing which vertebrae have been harmed and discover what organs are connected to that part of your spine. Then discover what emotional issues need resolution in order for those organs to function in a healthy manner.

If you are born with a curvature of the spine or other spinal condition, you may have come into this world with a strong karmic need to create a clear and direct life that is fully in alignment with what you most value.

If you have been doing a lot of spiritual growth work and you find your energy is congested in your spine, notice where it is congested and begin working with the organs that correlate with those vertebrate and/or begin lovingly working with the correlating chakra(s).

If you don’t know what you value most, consider writing your own eulogy. Ask yourself how would you like another person to describe your life after you have died? This will show you what is most valuable to you.

If your spine needs constant attention, you might discover that you experience your life from one of two extremes: either 1) overly rigid in your expectations about how life is supposed to happen or 2) too flexible, constantly surrendering your needs for the needs of others.

The spine requires a balance of these energies in order to be healthy.

As you heal your spine, remember that life is meant to be enjoyed and you deserve to give yourself the kinds of support systems that allow you to experience greater enjoyment, while living in alignment with your deepest values.

I do have a spinal health CD that you might find to be quite supportive. You can find it at my CD store: Spirit Treasures.